Mike Tyler, head of employee benefits at Lockton, said: “We are actively strengthening our existing locations and working with our global partners to further extend our global reach.

”We expect this pattern to continue and quicken in the next few years as more organisations push into multiple countries and will seek advisers.”

Benefits pooling is a particular trend for which employers are seeking support. This involves advisers negotiating discounted rates for global benefits schemes on behalf of employers, which can be useful for SMEs with smaller budgets and workforces.

Adrian Swarbrick, senior consultant at Gallagher Employee Benefits, said: “This has been recognised by multinational pooling networks for some time. Most will have a multi-employer vehicle, so SMEs are able to pool their benefits without requiring thousands of staff on a worldwide footprint.”

Employers are also using advisers to help ensure they comply with the different legal requirements in the countries where they operate.

John Ritchie, chief executive officer at group risk provider Ellipse, said: “Employers are always trying to leverage the bar and try to do things globally. Employers are always looking to harmonise benefits delivery and design.”